Social sciences
The ‘social sciences’ were historically used to describe disciplines that did not fit within the ambit of natural or formal sciences. In other words, the term ‘social science’ was used in contrast with, and at times in opposition to, natural science. It was also common to confuse or conflate ‘social sciences’ with the humanities or the ‘arts’.
The idea that it was possible for scientific methods of research, data collection and statistical extrapolation to be applied to such a large, apparently random group of individuals is a relatively recent phenomenon. Examining, explaining and forecasting the behaviour of individuals and large social groups using empirical methods derived from the physical sciences is the task for social sciences today.
It is for this reason that traditional humanities or arts subjects such as philosophy may be excluded from the definition of the social sciences, as the scientific method is not applied.
Such is the diversity of the constituents of social sciences that it has so far not been possible to discover a common or shared methodology of research. Therefore a history graduate may not be able to apply the same skills and methods he had acquired during his degree towards a postgraduate study of psychology, for example.
This does not prevent various disciplines from overlapping in terms of both subject matter and methodology. Some disciplines have even started to encroach on, and be encroached upon by, external disciplines, as can be seen in the blurred-line subjects of neuropsychology, sociobiology, bioeconomics and the historical examination of medicine.
In view of this, the term ‘social sciences’ now operates more as a header category for many distinct and discrete disciplines under its umbrella. Some have developed so far as to be considered overarching disciplines in their own right, while others have merged or separated as trends appeared and disappeared. For example, the Economics branch of the social sciences has developed so far as to warrant its own teaching department and faculty. Contrast this with anthropology and sociology, which are frequently taught in conjunction with each other, especially in Malaysian universities.
There are many reasons to obtain a postgraduate degree in your chosen field. At the risk of over-generalising, academic disciplines like history and anthropology/sociology demand people who have gained the advanced research skills and theoretical knowledge that a postgraduate qualification provides. Postgraduate qualifications are really necessary for advancement along the tenure-track.
In the business or financial world, an Economics postgraduate degree may help one’s career advancement, especially if coupled with an MBA or management qualification. On the other hand, depending on your locality of practice, a Master’s or PhD in a specialised branch of psychology is a prerequisite towards Chartered status (not applicable in Malaysia – see the Psychology section for more information).
